Predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after transfemoral aortic valve implantation with the Lotus valve.

BACKGROUND: Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is of high clinical relevance, but PPMI rates differ widely between valve types. Although the Lotus valve can be repositioned, reported rates for PPMI are high. The predictors of PPMI after Lotus valve implantation have not been defined yet.

METHODS: We analyzed the impact of preexisting conduction disturbances, depth of implantation, oversizing, and amount of calcification on PPMI in 216 patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underdoing Lotus valve implantation.

RESULTS: PPMI was required in 39.8% of patients. Patients with need for PPMI compared with patients without need for PPMI had more often the following criteria: male gender (P=.035); preprocedural right bundle-branch block (RBBB) (16.3% vs 0, P<.001); atrioventricular (AV) block first degree (26.7% vs 10.1%, P=.004); higher calcium volume of the left coronary cusp (63.1±87.5 mm3 vs 42.8±49.3 mm3, P=.05); and deeper valve implantation at right coronary (P=.011), noncoronary (P=.026), and left coronary (P=.012) position. Oversizing in relation to annulus and left ventricular outflow tract did not have an impact on need for PPMI. By multiple regression analysis, preprocedural AV block first degree (P=.005), RBBB (P<.001), and depth of implantation (P=.006) were independent risk factors for need of PPMI.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe aortic stenosis receiving transfemoral Lotus valve, preexisting AV block first degree, RBBB, and implantation depth are independent predictors of PPMI, highlighting the importance of careful valve positioning.